Australia does not have a national approach to voluntary assisted dying (VAD), but all Australian states have now passed VAD laws in various forms. Here's how the new laws work. Support is available for those who may be distressed: Lifeline 13 11 14; Men’s Referral Service 1300 776 491; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; beyondblue 1300 224 636; 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732
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00:00 We have shown that there is a better way to die for people who are intolerably suffering.
00:07 Voluntary Assisted Dying or VAD means an eligible Australian citizen aged 18 or over can ask for medical help to end their life.
00:16 Australia does not have a national approach to VAD, but all Australian states have now passed VAD laws in various forms.
00:24 The person must have decision-making capacity and an advanced illness expected to cause death within six months or within 12 months for neurodegenerative diseases like motor neuron disease.
00:34 Things that keep you awake at night, like your fear of dying in pain. Nobody wants to die in pain.
00:41 In Victoria, the ACT and South Australia, health practitioners cannot initiate VAD discussions.
00:48 In New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia, medical practitioners can initiate a VAD conversation, but must also outline treatment and palliative care options.
00:58 Health practitioners can conscientiously object to providing euthanasia, and in some states, like Victoria, can refuse to provide patients with information about it.